OPP are warning about a scam targeting young men on Instagram, dating sites, or pornographic websites.
Sextortion is where people are lured into an online relationship. As the relationship builds, victims are encouraged to use the computer's camera, and the scammer will coerce the victim to perform a sexual act on webcam. The victim is later told that the act was recorded and is threatened...pay a fee or the video will be released publicly or sent to a list of friends.
Police say there are warning signs and ways to protect yourself:
- Deny any requests to perform an illicit act over the internet.
- Disable your webcam or any other camera connected to the internet when you are not using it. Hackers can obtain remote access and record without your knowledge.
- Carefully consider who you are sharing explicit videos and photographs with.
If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.
